NEWS
CENTENARY COLLEGE OF LOUISIANA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(10/98)
Contact: Lynn Stewart or Amy Boltinghouse, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120 or 869-5709

Centenary Plans Major Observance of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week with Activities Scheduled for Oct. 19-24

SHREVEPORT, LA -- "Beer Goggles," a sidewalk memorial, "Mocktails," and "The Walk of Death" are just a few of the events that will take place during Centenary College's observance in connection with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 19-24.

Centenary will join more than 3,000 other campuses across the country participating in NCAAW because it wanted to be more proactive in its programming, officials said. "This is exactly what we need to be doing right now," said Dean of Student Life Scott Greenwood.

Designed to promote personal responsibility and respect for the law when it comes to the consumption of alcohol, NCAAW is now in its second decade and has grown to become the largest single event in all of academia. This growth has been attributed to the fact that students take the ownership in designing and implementing this observance for their campus communities.

Several offices at Centenary, including Student Life, Residence Life, Counseling, and Public Safety, are working with student organizations to plan unique activities, hoping to raise students' awareness about alcohol abuse.

One activity attracting interest is the demonstration of Fatal Vision Goggles, also known as "Beer Goggles," by Centenary's Department of Public Safety. "Beer Goggles" is a program used nationwide by police officers to simulate a blood alcohol concentration of 1.7-2.0. Under Louisiana law, the legal limit is a .10 for a person 21 or older, 08 for those 18 to 20 and .04 for those under 18.

Participants can wear the goggles and see how quickly impairment can turn fun into devastating consequences for anyone who drives while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Students, faculty and staff are being invited to participate in various coordination tests while wearing the goggles. The exercise "shows them what they look like without being intoxicated," said Zeke Aull, director of public safety. "People can't judge themselves in a practical manner while they're drunk."

Other events scheduled for the week are:

Ongoing Events

  • Pass the Keys -- A wrecked car from an alcohol-related accident will be displayed in front of the cafeteria. Sponsored by the Office of Public Safety.

  • Alcohol 101 -- An interactive CD-ROM program aimed at reducing the harm associated with misuse of alcohol on campus. Available for individual use in the library. Sponsored by Athletic Academic Support and Counseling Services.

    Monday, Oct. 19

  • Sidewalk Memorial -- Students are encouraged to write the names and dates of friends and loved ones who have been negatively affected by alcohol on the sidewalk leading to the Student Union Building. Chalk will be provided at different locations on campus. Sponsored by the Inter-Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils.

  • Save A Life Cards -- Wallet-sized information sheet detailing the difference between drunk and deadly will be distributed. Sponsored by Residence Life.

    Tuesday. Oct. 20

  • Sidewalk Memorial continues

  • Walk of Death -- Statistics show that at least 10 people are killed every hour by drunk drivers. The Student Activities Board will simulate these deaths when "grim reaper figures "kill" 10 members of Centenary's student body every hour.

  • Mocktails -- Sample tasty alcohol-free renditions of your favorite drink in the cafeteria from 9-10 p.m., Tuesday Oct. 20. Sponsored by Residence Life.

    Wednesday. Oct 21

  • Sidewalk Memorial continues

  • Candlelight Vigil -- A time for remembrance and sharing of stories about those whose lives have been affected by alcohol will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Hargrove Amphitheater. Sponsored by the Inter Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils.

  • The Spencers -- A public event offering a non-alcoholic evening of fun and amazement as the Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year return to Centenary at 8 p.m. in Hurley Auditorium.

    Thursday, Oct. 22

  • Beer Goggles--Students can strap on real "beer goggles" to experience a simulation of the effects of alcohol on the brain. Beer goggles will be in the SUB from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and are sponsored by the Department of Public Safety.

    Friday, Oct. 23

  • Beer Goggles continues, 1-4 p.m. in the Student Union Building. President Kenneth Schwab will participate at 2 p.m.

    Saturday, Oct. 24

  • Alcohol-Free Tailgate Party -- Students will precede the day's athletics with food and fun at noon at the Gold Dome. Sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Student Athletic Advisory Council.

  • Gents Soccer, 1 p.m.

  • Volleyball, 2 p.m.

  • Ladies Soccer, 3 p.m.

    For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at Centenary College, 318-869-5117.

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